Changing First and Last Names at the Civil Registry: Guide

> Context Note: This content describes Brazilian notary and registry law (direito notarial e registral brasileiro).

Title

Documents and Requirements to Change First and Last Names Directly at the Registry Office

Executive summary

Changing first and last names directly at a civil registry office (cartório de registro civil das pessoas naturais) can be requested by any person over eighteen years of age who possesses full civil capacity. Federal legislation allows an unmotivated change of a first name directly before the civil registrar of natural persons (oficial de registro civil das pessoas naturais), dispensing with judicial proceedings or prior justification. The procedure requires presenting a strict set of clearance certificates (certidões negativas) to ensure legal certainty and protect third-party rights Lei nº 8.935/1994, art. 1º.

Questions answered in this article

• Who can request a change of first and last name directly at the civil registry?
• What clearance certificates and documents are required to change a name extrajudicially?
• What is the step-by-step procedure to change a name without court proceedings?
• What happens to old documents, real estate registries, and companies after changing a name?
• Can the civil registrar of natural persons refuse a name change request?

FAQ

Who can request a change of first and last name directly at the civil registry?

Any person over eighteen years of age with full legal capacity may request a change of first and last name directly at the civil registry of natural persons. An unmotivated first name change can be performed extrajudicially only once during adulthood.

What clearance certificates and documents are required to change a name extrajudicially?

You must present a photo ID, CPF, proof of residence, and an updated birth or marriage certificate. Additionally, a comprehensive set of civil, criminal, title protest, electoral, labor, and military clearance certificates is required to prove good faith.

What is the step-by-step procedure to change a name without court proceedings?

First, gather required documents and mandatory clearance certificates. Next, visit the civil registry office to submit a signed application. The registrar reviews the documentation, enters the annotation into your registration entry, and issues an updated certificate.

What happens to old documents, real estate registries, and companies after changing a name?

After changing your name, you must update personal documents individually, including your ID card (RG), CPF, driver's license (CNH), and passport. If you own real estate or businesses, you must request an annotation at the relevant real estate registry office and commercial board.

Can the civil registrar of natural persons refuse a name change request?

Yes. The civil registrar may refuse the request if there is grounded suspicion of fraud, forgery, bad faith, or intent to deceive creditors or evade criminal proceedings. In the event of a formal refusal, the applicant may request an administrative proceeding for judicial review.

Base legal

• provimento_cnj 149 2023 — Provimento CNJ nº 149/2023
• provimento_cnj 149 2023 — Provimento CNJ nº 149/2023
• lei_federal 8.935 1994 — Lei nº 8.935/1994
• norma_cnj 149 2023 — Provimento CNJ nº 149/2023 — Livro II
• lei_federal 14.382 2022 — Lei nº 14.382/2022
• lei_federal 8.935 1994 — Lei nº 8.935/1994

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